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Watermelons: useful properties
What is useful in watermelon? Watermelon has many health benefits and nutrients. Vitamins are found in the pulp, peel and seeds, which gives it benefits, and makes it extremely beneficial for the body. 150 g of watermelon contains many useful nutrients for our body:
- vitamin C – 24% of the daily requirement;
- vitamin A – 18% of the daily requirement;
- potassium – 5% of the daily requirement;
- magnesium – 4% of the daily requirement;
- vitamins B1, B5 and B6 – 3% of the daily requirement.
Watermelon is rich in vitamins A, C, large doses of potassium, calcium, iron, beta-carotene and fiber. In addition, watermelon contains vitamin PP, which reduces fatigue and promotes good sleep and good mood, as well as folic acid, which is indispensable for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for people who want to improve memory. B vitamins help the normal functioning of the nervous system.
The striped fruit also contains other useful elements: phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Watermelon improves digestion and assimilation of food. Its fibers have a beneficial effect on the microflora of the stomach.
Note! Due to its high water content, watermelon has a strong cleansing effect on the body and is also used as a diuretic. Together with excess liquid, it removes toxins, salts and stones. The anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties of watermelon help dissolve salts and reduce gout pain.
The use of watermelon is allowed for diabetes. It is low in calories and is a good food for people with diabetes (it has only 80 calories per 100 g). It does not contain fat and cholesterol, contains half as much sugar (5%) as an apple.
Watermelon improves heart health
Microelements contained in watermelon improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and normalize blood pressure.
The inner flesh of watermelon is red due to the high content of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that, even in small amounts, helps prevent heart attacks and tumors. It contains twice as much as in a tomato. An important antioxidant necessary for the health of the body and as a rejuvenating agent. It also helps strengthen the immune system, neutralizes free radicals, and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
Watermelon also contains the amino acid citrulline, which is involved in many chemical reactions in the body. It increases the level of nitric oxide in the blood, acts as a vasodilator and thus lowers blood pressure. Vitamins A, B6, C, magnesium and potassium also have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
What else is useful watermelon for a person? It belongs to low calorie foods. The benefits of watermelon – help to lose extra pounds. The pulp fills the stomach, and interrupts the feeling of hunger, while containing a minimum amount of calories. In addition, due to its diuretic effect, it removes excess fluid from the body,
Additional Information! Fiber in the composition of watermelon will allow you to avoid unconscious overeating and forget about the feeling of hunger for a long time. Its low calorie content and 8% natural sugar make it the perfect sweet treat to replace high-calorie brownies. Useful watermelon tightens muscles, makes the skin more elastic.
Watermelon can be safely consumed by pregnant women. It supports digestion, has a diuretic effect, which is very important for the expectant mother. Vitamin B9 contributes to the development of a normal nervous system in a baby.
During breastfeeding, you should also not give up watermelon, as it increases the production of breast milk. But you need to be careful and choose only high-quality watermelons.
At what age can children eat watermelon?
This delicacy will strengthen the child’s immune system, support it with the necessary elements.
Summer treat
The opinions of experts on this matter are very different. Some doctors advise giving watermelon to a child after one year of age, others say that it is possible only after 5 years.
The optimal age for introducing this product is 1.5-2 years, but this is individual, and depends on the mother. Do not give it to the child before mid-August, and offer the pulp located in the center of the watermelon, since nitrates always accumulate closer to the crust. When you first meet a watermelon, you should offer a teaspoon of pulp, then observe the child for several days for the absence of an allergic reaction.
What are the benefits of watermelon seeds?
We tend to throw away watermelon seeds when we enjoy the fruit, and yet they can be the perfect snack because they are low in calories yet rich in nutrients.
Note! Watermelon seeds contain protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Vegetable oil is made from watermelon seeds.
One of the many valuable components found in watermelon seeds is magnesium. A handful of watermelon seeds contains about 0.29 mg of iron. Watermelon seeds are rich in folic acid. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is important for proper brain function. To eat watermelon seeds, they are dried for 2-3 days and roasted. Then it is cleaned from the outer black surface.
Watermelon rinds are also edible and can be cooked like vegetables. Pickles can be made from the peel or candied. Fried, boiled or pickled watermelon rinds are a popular dish in China.
Watermelon juice can relieve muscle pain, have a soothing effect on the muscles after a workout or other physical activity.
How to store watermelons
Store uncut watermelons at room temperature between 18 and 20 degrees. They can be stored for more than 2 weeks in a cool place. Cut watermelons are best stored at 10°C. From the moment of cutting, they are stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in cling film, and not cut into pieces, as it dehydrates and changes the taste. You can store it for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Causes of watermelon poisoning
This is mainly due to violation of the rules for growing, transporting and storing watermelons. Good quality watermelon will not poison you. Poisoning in most cases occurs due to the excess content of minerals from nitric acid, if the crop grows on soil heavily fertilized with saltpeter. Watermelons should not have yellow fibers.
Watermelon in the garden
Symptoms of food poisoning (abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea) are usually accompanied by symptoms such as severe weakness, sweating, fever, chills, body aches, and headache.
Watermelon has contraindications. They are mainly associated with its diuretic effect. Overeating leads to excessive stress on the kidneys, to the appearance of edema. Therefore, if there are problems with the outflow of urine, with the kidneys, do not abuse the use of this product, and in case of exacerbation, stop using it altogether.
